Lambic Fruit

Fruit lambic may vary greatly in color from pale golden to deep ruby red and range from 4-7% in alcohol. Commonly brewed from unmalted wheat, pilsner malt and aged hops, the unique flavor profile of these beers is a result of wild, open-air fermentation in conjunction with extended aging in oak barrels. In addition, the overall flavor profile of these beers is heavily influenced by a wide variety of whole fruit added during fermentation. These fruits are consumed in their entirety during the fermentation process and lend both supplemental flavor and color to the final beer. Similar to gueuze, fruit lambic is a blend of young and old beers typically ranging from 1-3 years. Blending results in a sharp champagne-like effervescence and tart, toasty flavors. Kriek (cherry) and framboise (raspberry) are the more popular and traditional fruits employed. Other exotic fruits are widely used in juice form in more commercial examples of this style. Originating centuries ago in and around Brussels as farmhouse specialties, these beers are still brewed today in the same manner with many of the best examples still Belgian in origin. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Lindemans Kriek, Boon Framboise Marriage Parfait, Hanssens Oude Kriek and Upland Raspberry Lambic.